Europe-wide search for man launched after woman’s body discovered in suitcase

Police in the UK and Europe are searching for a man after a woman’s body found in a suitcase.

The body of Joanna Borucka was discovered when officers were called to an address in Southall, west London, on 18 December.

The 41-year-old, who originally came from Poland, had last been seen alive on 13 November and murder detectives are investigating her death. The cause has not been confirmed.

The Metropolitan Police said it has identified 50-year-old Petras Zalynas, originally from Lithuania, as a person of interest but think he has left the UK and may have gone to Germany.

Police in Europe are helping to locate him, but officers have now appealed directly to the public – especially London’s Lithuanian community – for help.

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Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command (Homicide), said: “It is thankfully very rare for a body to be found in these shocking circumstances.

“I know it makes the news of Joanna’s death all the more difficult for those who were close to her.

“Our investigation is progressing well. We have identified Petras Zalynas as a person who we need to speak to in order to find out what happened to Joanna.

“I’m confident there are people out there who may have seen Zalynas or who might know where he is. I would urge them to come forward.

“I would particularly appeal to London’s Lithuanian community. If you know anything about the whereabouts of Petras Zalynas, please get in touch.

“You will be supported and your information could hold the key to unlocking this investigation.”

Anyone with information can call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 4319/18DEC. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.